Staff reports 9:20 a.m.
Tuesday, April 26, 2016 10:22 am

A pet treat bar will likely have tails of all stripes wagging when they enter PetCo with their human companions. (Lebanon Voice photo)

ROCHESTER - Amid a smattering of pooches and their owners, PetCo on Monday became the first of The Ridge stores to open its doors to the public.

Others expected to open on Thursday include Marshall's and Famous Footwear.

While the early opening was unannounced, that didn't stop several happy shoppers from browsing store shelves or their canine companions from enjoying treats from the store's treat bar, a sort of salad bar for dogs that includes healthy snacks, including wheat-free selections.

While The Ridge will celebrate its official grand opening on Thursday with a "Rockin' The Ridge" celebration featuring a deejay as well as other activities, Petco will also have a ribbon cutting on Saturday at 8:55 a.m. with free $10 gift cards to the first 100 Pals Rewards customers.

The remaining retail and food establishments to be part of The Ridge, including a Market Basket, are expected to open in July.